We've finally reached a break in the Week 2 action here on the NFC North blog, so let's take a moment to consider two trade rumors/fantasies currently making the rounds. One involves the Green Bay Packers acquiring Buffalo Bills tailback Marshawn Lynch, and the other suggests a reunion between the Minnesota Vikings and receiver Randy Moss.
Both are much closer to fantasy than rumors. I don't see either happening. In fact, if there is going to be a significant trade in the coming days or weeks in the NFC North, my money is on the Vikings acquiring San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson (if his suspension is reduced during a hearing Thursday). But if for no other reason than restoring sanity, let's consider the cases of Lynch and Moss.
Green Bay Packers -- Marshawn Lynch
Why it has buzz: The Packers lost starter Ryan Grant for the season because of an ankle injury, leaving them with only one tailback of even moderate experience -- Brandon Jackson -- on their roster. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers played with Lynch at Cal and endorsed his acquisition Wednesday. Lynch, meanwhile, lost his starting job this summer to Bills rookie C.J. Spiller.
Why it seems unlikely: Packers general manager Ted Thompson rarely acquires veteran players from outside the organization and has never traded for a starter since taking the job in 2005. (Grant was a third-string tailback when Thompson acquired him in 2007.) The Bills, meanwhile, published a statement on their website Thursday that included this sentence: "The Bills have maintained a consistent stance on Marshawn Lynch, which is that they plan to keep him on their roster." Obviously, that stance could change. But if the Bills need the Packers to knock them over with an offer, it won't happen.
Chances of it happening: Minimal
Minnesota Vikings -- Randy Moss
Why it has buzz: Moss had some Hall-of-Fame caliber seasons in Minnesota from 1998-2004 and has recently expressed his displeasure in reaching the final year of his contract with the New England Patriots. Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post wrote this week about the intense interest then-Packers quarterback Brett Favre had in acquiring Moss in 2007 and 2008. Favre, meanwhile, said Wednesday that "I'm not going to sit up here and lie" when asked if he wanted the Vikings to acquire a big receiver and mentioned Moss during his answer.
Why it seems unlikely: The Patriots don't seem willing to trade Moss, first and foremost. Second, the Vikings traded Moss away mostly because of character issues. They have a new regime in place, but are they willing to take him on? Again, if the Vikings are going to acquire a big receiver, it's more likely to be Jackson. Stay tuned on that one.
Chance of it happening: Almost none